Political Turmoil and Public Outcry Over Stockholm’s Snow Removal Failures

Stockholm is grappling with widespread controversy and public dissatisfaction following significant failures in snow removal amid extraordinary snowfall in early 2026. Nearly 20,000 complaints have been lodged with the city’s traffic office over the past two weeks, highlighting severe challenges faced by residents, including impaired public transport access and difficulties for people with wheelchairs and strollers. Emergency vehicles like ambulances have reportedly gotten stuck in the snow, exacerbating safety concerns.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of the Moderates sharply criticized the Social Democrats’ handling of snow removal in Stockholm, stating, “Socialdemokraterna i Stockholm verkar behöva hjälp med att röja snö,” and underscored the contradiction of rising taxes alongside repeated failures to manage winter conditions adequately. Similarly, Minister of Aid and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, currently on parental leave, condemned the city's preparations and recounted his personal experience of being unable to take his six-month-old son out in a stroller due to poor snow clearing. Dousa described the situation as a “catastrophe,” pointing out that elderly residents have been effectively housebound and that emergency services have struggled with snow-obstructed roads, increasing traffic accident risks.

The Social Democrats, who govern the city together with the Left Party and the Green Party, responded by blaming budget cuts on the Moderates and urged Kristersson to consult opposition councilor Christofer Fjellner about snow removal funding. However, Fjellner disputed these claims. Traffic councilor Lars Strömgren (MP) acknowledged the shortcomings but attributed some issues to the extraordinary snowfall and stressed the lack of preparedness from contracted snow removal firms. He also criticized the Moderates for budget reductions in snow removal. The municipality has 14 snow removal contracts, mostly dating from previous administrations, and officials are considering imposing fines on contractors who failed to meet expectations.

This political blame game unfolds against a backdrop of harsh winter conditions that have exposed vulnerabilities in Stockholm’s municipal services, sparking frustration among residents and intensifying political tensions over responsibility and preparedness.